Editor's note: SportsDay Cowboys insider Kate Hairopoulos broke down each of the team's position groups ahead of training camp. This installation, analyzing the Cowboys' special teams unit, is the final one of the series.

Special teams

Cowboys rookie Ryan Switzer on how Dez Bryant is helping him: 'He's been like a big brother to me'

2016 recap: The regulars delivered with consistency. Bailey retains the title of Mr. Reliable, even though five missed field goals (27 of 32) were the most he's had since his rookie season in 2011. Three of the misses were from 50-plus yards. Jones averaged 40.5 yards per punt, which is just about his career average.

The issues came on a mostly lackluster return game. Lucky Whitehead averaged 7.8 yards per punt return and 23.2 yards per kickoff return.

Byron Jones and Kyle Wilber led the team in special teams tackles.

2017 outlook: Will the Cowboys shake up their return game? They drafted receiver Ryan Switzer in the fourth round largely because of his return ability. At North Carolina Switzer returned 99 punts for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns, including an NCAA record-tying five as a freshman. His punt return average dipped to 6.6 yards per return as a senior at UNC.